Despite officers being accused of using "excessive force" in both Mansoura and Port Said, the Muslim Brotherhood back police action.

The Muslim Brotherhood[2] told police officers on Sunday to confront criminals and combat violence in accordance with law and human rights.

The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP)[3] issued a statement on its Twitter account on Sunday, where Muslim Brotherhood spokesperson Ahmed Aref described the current security situation as a “historic chance” for the police body to wipe clean its past history if it confronted Egypt’s “thugs”, according to Aref. He claimed that those he described as “thugs” always worked in favour of Mubarak’s regime, adding that they are still following the same route.

“Policemen, remember that being heroes has a price, and everyone is with you in regaining your legitimate rights of combating violence, but in accordance with law and respect to human rights,” he said.

Ali said it is now time to cleanse the police apparatus, adding that whoever wants to receive a salary from the people’s money while he does not guard them has no place within security forces. “Either they work efficiently or they will be sacked,” said Ali.